2017 Coastview Grenache

This dynamic wine has offers something for everybody, dense red fruit and spicy intrigue show that Grenache is one of the best red varietals suited to many of California’s micro climates.

Grenache is best known for sexy/polished wines in Spain and parts of the new world (where it's often made in the same style) as well as the lead grape in the lauded Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In a nod to CdP, this section of the vineyard is terraced with huge granite/limestone boulders that hold the heat from the day well into the night.

Varietal - 100% Grenache

Vineyard - The Coastview Vineyard is farmed by Father-Son duo John and Parker Allen. John bought the 2,000 acre ranch undeveloped in the 90’s because he’s a visionary and a glutton for punishment. He spent seven years cutting a dirt road from the gate on the valley floor to the vineyard that even now still takes 25 minutes to negotiate. But boy is the drive worth it. Once at the top, you wonder whether you’re still on Earth (but seriously, in North America?) - it almost looks extraterrestrial. The whole thing is brought into context when you reach the top of the vineyard at 2,400 feet and can see clear out to the Monterey Bay.

John and Parker manage a small crew that works closely with them, and they employ their herd of 900 sheep instead of mowers and herbicide. Their passion for their vineyard shows through in the blood sweat and tears they expend farming this impossibly rugged terrain. We've rarely encountered vineyard owners who work so hard and that is really a loaded statement. It cannot be overstated how ridiculous it is to have a vineyard planted at the top of this mountain. However, their vision is realized in the clarity of these wines. The vineyard shines through and marks with wines with such grace and definition that they're unmistakable. The Grenache comes from The Terraces Block which was terraced using excavated boulders from cutting the road.

Method - The fruit came in around 23 brix right when it began to show the depth we were searching for. 75% whole clusters were used, fermenting in open top bins. Cap manipulation was a combination of pigeage and pumpovers for a total of 65 days on the skins. Elevage is in neutral french oak for 10 months.

Unfined, unfiltered and untouched. No sulfur is harmed in the making of this wine - 132 Cases Produced, 13.8% Alcohol